Bill > A04753

This bill, known as Bella's Law, establishes a comprehensive legal framework requiring the New York Office of Children and Family Services to investigate potential domestic violence when an individual is accused of or investigated for animal abuse. The law defines a wide range of animal abuse crimes, including animal fighting, cruelty, abandonment, and sexual misconduct with an animal, and mandates that law enforcement notify and coordinate with the Office of Children and Family Services during such investigations. The underlying rationale is based on research showing a strong correlation between animal abuse and domestic violence, with the goal of identifying and preventing potential family or domestic violence. The bill requires law enforcement to document these investigations, including preparing a domestic incident report in cases involving abuse or threatened abuse of a companion animal, even if no crime is ultimately found. The investigation aims to determine whether the accused or investigated individual has any associated family or domestic violence, with some exceptions to protect ongoing investigations or individual safety. The law applies to all animal abuse accusations or investigations after its effective date and includes provisions to ensure that if any part of the law is found invalid, the remainder will remain in effect.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A4753